American Idol’s Nikki McKibbin dies at the age of 42 following complications from a ‘brain aneurysm’
American Idol’s Nikki McKibbin dies at the age of 42 following complications from a ‘brain aneurysm’
American Idol’s Nikki McKibbin died at the age of 42 following complications from a ‘brain aneurysm.’
The season one contestant was reportedly in the hospital and on life support before the decision was made to harvest her organs, according to TMZ.
Sources told the publication that McKibbin was pronounced dead at 3 a.m.
Tragic: American Idol’s Nikki McKibbin died at the age of 42 following complications from a ‘brain aneurysm’ (seen in 2005)
Nikki came in third place on the first edition of American Idol where Kelly Clarkson was crowned the winner in 2002.
McKibbin’s battle with substance abuse issues was highlighted on Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew in 2008.
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She also discussed her cocaine and alcohol addictions on the spin-off, Sober House.
Nikki’s 15-year-old son, Tristan Langlet, auditioned for the show in 2014, but was cut during Hollywood week.
Stars: Justin Guarini, who placed second, confirmed the news of McKibbin’s death with a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Saturday; seen in 2002
Tough: McKibbin’s battle with substance abuse issues was highlighted on Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew in 2008; seen in 2002
Justin Guarini, who placed second, confirmed the news of McKibbin’s death with a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Saturday.
‘@realnikkimckibbin was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit,’ he wrote.
‘Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and that not that many people had been kind to her along the way…but I’ll never forget the day that her idol, Stevie Nicks, sent her flowers with a card that said ‘You are the Gypsy that I was.’
RIP: Justin Guarini, who placed second, confirmed the news of McKibbin’s death with a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Saturday
Sad: Nikki’s last post on Instagram was shared on Sept. 16, 2019 where she tagged blogger Perez Hilton and wrote: From drunk mess to sober blimp to doting nana. I haven’t forgotten lol’
‘Nicki was on cloud nine and the joy and excitement that radiated from her was infectious. After the kind of emotional beating she took at the hands of the masses, she deserved to feel good about herself, even for a little while.
‘Rest well, ‘Gypsy’…and thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight.’
Idol finalist Jim Verraros also commented: ‘I can’t believe you’re gone. You were such a light for so many of us. You were unapologetically yourself and I loved that the most about you. You will be missed but I will always hold you close to my heart. Rest In Peace, beautiful soul.’
Nikki’s last post on Instagram was shared on Sept. 16, 2019 where she tagged blogger Perez Hilton and wrote: From drunk mess to sober blimp to doting nana. I haven’t forgotten lol.’
Terrible: She also discussed her cocaine and alcohol addictions on the spin-off, Sober House; seen in 2009
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